Islington Carers Festive Wreath Making Workshop
Published on 14 December 2022 11:10 AM
As part of Islington Carers Hubs package of Festive Gifts for Islington Carers they organised a Festive Wreath-Making session earlier this week at Culpeper Gardens.
Two of the carers who attended shared their experience of the day, and what it's like to be an Islington carer.
Jacky, carer for her mother
The host for the Festive Wreath-Making Workshop was so passionate about what she was doing. Everyone was really welcoming and there were lots of suggestions for what’s going on in the new year.
Making the wreath was quite easy really. It was made from a coat hanger and foliage and is actually better than what’s on a lot of people’s front doors! It was so nice to be a part of a group and to help each other. It was also great being able to give the final thing to my Mum.
I have been a carer for my Mum since she came back from hospital in April. Everything really changed when she was sent home with just a bag of tablets and only a little information. It has been a very difficult time. It was too much with work and caring and I crashed. When I’m back on my feet again, I’m definitely going to be giving back to Islington Carers Hub. They have helped me so much mentally and with everything.
Sue, carer for her mother
“It was quite easy really! They showed us how to bend the coathanger into a circle. You then wrap strands of ivy around it and add bits of greenery, fern and holly to it and some pine-cones. We came up with our own designs and picked up ideas from each other. It was a nice warm community hub in Culpeper. We got chatting to each other, had some home-made chocolate cake and even had some mulled wine!
I had been working fulltime until recently and didn’t get to meet other carers. Mum has dementia and has gone into a home. It’s a really good one, but it was quite a traumatic experience. Although I know that it’s the best place for her, given her stage of dementia, I’ve felt quite guilty. Emotionally it has been quite difficult. Taking part in the festive wreath-making today, I’ve been able to forget my troubles for a time. I took the wreath to the care home and now it’s taking pride of place on their front door.
The Age UK Islington and Islington Carers Hub have been a life-line for me. Just to know that there are people there that can help and other carers in the same boat.
For more information & upcoming events for Islington carers
For information about the Islington Carers Hub service and upcoming events, please see the Islington Carers Hub website. Islington Carers Hub is a service run by Age UK Islington.